Cable seal



H. A. TEPEL July 1, 1941.

CABLE SEAL Filed Sept. 14, 195s v 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 July l, 1941. H. A.TEPEL, .2,247,671 l CABLE SEAL Filed Sept. 14, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3IIIII", 7 'f/ 28 /5 /r/'. 22 A Afro/Pav? Patented July 1, 1941 nachPATENT FFEQ CABLE SEAL Herman A. Tepel, Cleveland Heights, Ohio,assignor of one-half to John C. Boyton, Cleveland, Ohio 3 Claims.

This invention relates to cable seals, also known as potheads, cable endbells or terminators, used for sealing the ends of electric cablessheathed with lead or other suitable covering, carrying one or moreelectrical conductors. As is well known7 these cable seals are providedto prevent moisture entering the cable at the termination of the sheath,where the individual conductors are brought out of the sheath for thepurpose of making connections to the lines or to the equipment to whichthe electrical current is to be carried.

More particularly, this invention relates to devices of this class whichare applied to the ends of conduits carrying the sheathed cable and todevices which are formed with a chamber adapted to receive a sealing andinsulating compound.

It is an object of this invention to produce a cable seal of this classwhich is simple in construction, easy to assemble, eilcient inperforming its required functions, and characterized by certaindistinctly novel and advantageous features not inherent in devices ofthis type heretoiore developed.

1t is accordingly an important object of this invention to produce acable seal which provides for the imbedding of a substantial portion ofthe lead sheath as well as the conductors in the sealing compound, inorder that both the sheath and the conductors may be effectively sealedand anchored relatively to the conduit.

It is a further object of this invention to produce a cable seal inwhich two spaced communicating chambers are provided one for enclosingthe lead sheath and the other for enclosing the conductors emerging fromthe lead sheath, and in which both chambers can be simultaneously filledwith sealing and insulating compound through one iilling opening.

1t is a further object of this invention to produce a cable seal inwhich means for clamping the flanged end of the sheath or axially fixingthe sheath of the cable are provided interiorly of the chamber in theseal and in which these clamping means are completely imbedded in thesealing compound.

1t is a further object oi this invention to provide a cable seal inwhich the Iiange engaging meansof the sheath clamping device arepositively rotatably fixed with reference to the conduit and the sheath.

It is a further object of this invention to produce a cable seal inwhich the housing is formed of several component parts and in which asubstantial portion of the housing can be removed without destroying thesealing compound.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a cable seal whichcan be installed with minor modifications at any convenient or necessaryangle including horizontal, inverted or upright positions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a cable seal Whichcan readily be adapted for sealing one or a plurality of sheathed cablesenclosed by a conduit and one or a plurality of conductors encased ineach of the sheaths, all by the substitution of diiierent partitions ordiaphrams.

It is a further object of this invention to produce a cable seal housingprovided with improved end closure means for permitting the passage ofthe cable and conductors and at the same time ei'ectively preventing theloss oi sealing compound.

Further objects and advantages of this invention Will appear from thefollowing description and from reference to the accompanying drawings.These annexed drawings and description a. set forth in detail certainmeans embodying this invention, such disclosed means constitutinghowever, but a few of the forms in which the principles of thisinvention may be applied.

In said annexed drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical axial section through one adaptation of thisinvention, this view showing the device sealing a single lead sheathedcable and three conductors, projecting from the end of a conduit in ahorizontal direction, this cable seal being installed in what may betermed a horizontal position, this view being taken on several planesindicated by the lines I, l in Figures 2, s, 5, and 6.

Fig. 2 is a transverse section through this adaptation taken on theplane indicated by line 2, 2, in Fig. 1, showing certain sheath clampingelements.

Fig. 3 is a section taken through the sheath clamping elements, thisView being taken on the plane indicated by line 3, 3 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken through the lling opening, thisview being taken on the plane indicated by line 4, Il, in Fig. l.

Fig. 5 is an outer end elevation of the cable seal, this View beingtaken from the plane indicated by line `5, 5, in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a transverse section through the cable seal showing the outerend closure, this view being taken on the plane indicated by the line 6,`l in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a transverse section through the cable seal showing an innerclosure member, this view being taken on the plane indicated by line I,I in Fig. l.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal axial section, this view being takenon the plane indicated by line 8, 8 in Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 are, respectively, detached end elevation, sideView and plan view of one of the elements adapted to clamp the cablesheath snown in Figures l, 2, and 3.

Figures 12 and i3 are respectively, detached end elevation and sideelevation of a second e1ement cooperating with the element shown inFigures 9 to il for clamping the sheath.

Figure i4 is a ver ical axial section through a second adaptation of hisinvention, this View showing the device sealing three lead sheathedcables and three conductors, projecting from these cables in adownwardly direction, the cable seal being mounted in what may be termedan inverted position, this view being taken on the several planesindicated by the lines ill, ld in Figures 1G and 17.

Fig. 15 is a transverse plan section taken upon the plane indicated bythe lines I5, I in Fig. 14.

Fig, 16 is a transverse plan section through the sheath clampingelements, this View being taken on the plane indicated by line I5, I6 inFig. 14.

Fig. 17 is an additional transverse section showing the sheath clampingelements, this view being taken on the plane indicated by line l1, Il inFig. 14.

Figures 18 and 19 and 20 are, respectively, detached end elevation, sideelevation and plan view of one of the sheath clamping elements shown inFigures le, 16 and 17.

Figures 2l and 22 are, respectively, detached end elevation and sideelevation of a second sheath clamping element cooperating with theelement shown in Figures i8, 19 and 20.

Fig. 23 is a vertical axial section of a third adaptation of thisinvention, this view showing the device sealing a single lead sheathedcable and three conductors, projecting from the end of a conduit in avertically upward direction, this cable seal being mounted in what maybe termed the upright position, this view being taken on the severalplanes indicated by the line 23, 23 in Figures 24 and 25.

Fig. 2e is a top plan view ci the cable seal shown in Fig. 23, this viewbeing taken from the plane indicated by line 24, 24 in Fig. 23.

Fig. 25 is a plan section showing the sheath clamping elements, thisview being taken on the planes indicated by line 25, 25 in Fig. 23.

Fig. 26 is a transverse section showing the inner sheath sealingdiaphram, this View being taken on the plane indicated by line 2G, 26 inFig. 23.

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary vertical axial sectional view, similar to aportion of Fig. 1, illustrating the type of sealing partition used atthe end of the conduit when the cable seal is used in the horizontalposition and when a plurality of sheathed cables or conductors arecarried in the conduit, this view being taken on the plane indicated bylines 21,21 in Fig. 28.

Fig. 2S is a transverse sectional view of the construction shown in Fig.27, and taken on the plane indicated by line 28, 28 in that figur n thefollowing speciiications and claims the term inner used in reference tothe cable seal or its component parts is intended to indicate a locationat or a direction toward the end of the conduit to which the cable sealis attached and conversely the term Outer is intended to indicate alocation spaced from or a direction away from the conduit.

Referring nrst to the adaptation of this invention ior use in ahorizontal position, illustrated in Figures l to 13 inclusive, theconduit to which this cable seal is applied is indicated at I. Thisconduit carries electric cable means including a sheathed cable unit orsheathed conductor indicated at 2, comprising a sheath 3 made oi lead orother suitable material, and in the embodiment illustrated, the cableunit includes three conduct-ors 4, each covered by suitable insulation.As will appear, the sheath projects a substantial distance beyond theend oi the conduit and the conductors extend outwardly beyond the end ofthe sheath for an indefinite distance sufcient to connect with theapparatus to which the electrical current is intended to be carried.

The sheath at its outer end is formed with an outwardly deected flangeindicated at 5, which is preferably formed after the cable is properlylocated axially in the cable seal and which is firmly clamped bysuitable elements to be hereinafter described.

The cable seal is preferably mounted upon the end of the conduit and ismade in the form of a housing indicated generally at 6 and consistspreferably of three separate body forming elements, the inner casing orcoupling member 1, preferably formed oi metal, an extension orintermediate casing member 8, preferably made of insulating material,and an outer end or ring bushing member 9, also preferably made ofinsulating material.

The inner casing member l is formed with an interior-ly threadedcylindrical extension or hub i0 at its inner end adapted to be screwedupon the threaded end of the conduit, as clearly shown in Fig. 1, and aset screw may be provided to fix or lock the casing in position on theconduit. Adjacent the threaded portion and juxtaposed to the end or thepipe, the casing 'I is formed with an annular shoulder or abutment I I.interposed between the end oi the conduit and the abutment I I is ametal clad sealing washer or partition indicated generally at I2 andformed of an elastic and relatively soit rubber diaphrain I3 mountedbetween two relatively thin annular sheet metal rings I4, each having ailat portion I5 cemented or otherwise suitably secured to the face ofthe rubber diaphram and formed with an opening bounded by an axiallyextending and radially outwardly belled 'flange or pilot I6 simulating afunnel, the diameter of the opening being sufficiently large toaccommodate the largest cable intended to be carried by the conduit. Therubber diaphram is formed with an opening whose free or unextendeddiameter is considerably smaller than the outside diameter of the leadsheath 3 of the cable, and accordingly when the sheathed cable isinserted in the opening, the rubber snugly embraces the lead sheath in asubstantially liquid tight manner. The belled flange or pilot Iii, aswill be clear, is provided to prevent injury to the surface of theconductors or sheath, when the cable is passed through the rings I4.

The outer end of the inner casing I is formed with a cylindrical portionprovided with an external thread as indicated at Il' and terminates in asubstantially smooth outer face I8. Engaging the outer face I8 is aspider IS preferably secured to the inner casing I by means of aplurality of countersunk screws indicated at 2D. 20

passing through ears 2|, 2|, formed on diametrically opposed sides ofthe spider I9 and engaging suitably tapped holes in bosses 22 formed inthe inner casing as indicated in Figures 2 and 8. This spider I9 isformed with an opening 23 of substantially the same size as the outsidediameter of the sheath S of the cable to be sealed. In assembling thecable seal and sheath, the outer end of the sheath 3 is drawn outwardlya sufficient distance to provide ample material to permit the formationof the flange 5. This iiange is then formed by flaring the end of thesheath outwardly by means of suitable tools until the ange enn gages theannular outer surface 2d on the spider I9.

The spider i9 is preferably made of brass, aluminum, or other suitablematerial adapted to ground the lead sheath of the cable through themetallic inner casing The spider lil is further formed with a pair oflaterally extending ears 25, 25, each shaped with a pair oflongitudinally extending flanges or shoulders 26 providing a pair ofchannels or re cesses 21, these channels being preferably located ondiametrically opposite sides of the spider and righ-t angularly disposedwith reference to the pair of ears 2|. rIhe flanges 26, as will appearfrom the drawings, project outwardly a distance substantially greaterthan t--e thickness of the flange 5.

Engaging the outer surface of the flange is a .second spider 23 formedwith an opening is of substantially the same size as the opening 23 andformed with an annular inner surface 35 juxtaposed to the surface 26 andin engagement with the outer face of the flange 5. The size of theopening 29 need not be greater than sufficient to permit the conductorsto pass therethrough as will appear from an inspection of Figures l and2.

The spider 28 is formed with a plurality of radially projecting anddiametrically opposed ears 3i, at least two of which are alined with andare of a width. slightly less than the width of the channels 2! on thespider IG. The spider 28 is thus adapted to be nested in and centered bythe recesses 21 on the ears 25 on the spider i9. it will be apparentthat the spider 23 is longitudinally movable but is locked againstrotation with reference to the spider I9.

rlhis spider 28 is preferably made of insulating material, the thicknessof the ears of the spider being preferably substantially the same as theoutwardly projecting height of the ears for reasons which will appear.

The radial width of the annular surfaces 2Q and 3Q is substantially thesame as the width of the flange 5, these widths being so determined thatthe clamping engagement between the spiders and the ange will be able toeffectively hx or anchor the sheath in the housing, both axially andradially. In practice it is preferred to so dimension the parts of thecable seal that an annular space is formed between the outside diameterof the flange 5 and the inside dimen sions of the casings and 8. Thisprovision results in the formation of registering longitudinal passagesor ports formed between the sheath and the inside wall of the casings inthe planes of the spiders |9 and 28. These ports through the spiders areindicated at 32 in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and assume proximate sectorshapes, being delined radially by the outside diameter of the surfaces24 and 3i! and the inside diameter of the casings and being definedcircumferentially by the ears 2| and 25 in the case of the spider I9 andby the ears 3|, 3| in the case of the spider 28.

The outer face of the ears 3| is engaged by an annular shoulder orabutment 33 formed on the extension casing 8. The inner end of thisextension casing is also formed with an internal thread 34 adapted toengage the external thread il on the inner casing As will appear, theadvance of the extension casing 8 as it is threaded upon the casing 'lwill cause the abutment 33 to force the spider 28 toward the spider I9and will thus firmly hold the flange 5 between the surfaces Sii and 24on the spiders.

It will appear that the thickness of the ange 5 plus the thickness ofthe ears 3| of the spider 2S must be greater than the outward projectionof the anges 26 in order that intimate clamping contact between theflange 5 and the spiders may be effected and for this reason thethickness of the ears 3| is preferably made equal to the height of theflanges 26. It will also be apparent that no tendency whatsover willexist to rotate or twist the sheath 3 or the flange 5 during thisclamping operation due to the fact that both spiders are prevented fromrotating relatively to the casing l and the conduit due to the fact thatthe spider l is iixedly secured to the casing and the spider 28 islocked against rotation in the channels 2l of the spider I9.

The outer end of the extension casing is formed with an external threadindicated at 35 and terminates in a substantially smooth outer face 3G.Engaging the thread 35 is an internally threaded portion 31 of the ringbushing member 9. This bushing member is additionally formed with aninwardly directed annular shoulder or abutment 3d. Interposed betweenthe outer face lit and the inwardly directed abutment 38 is a compositesealing diaphram or closure member indicated generally at $9 and formedof a resilient soft rubber diaphram di) interposed between two annulardiscs li! and 42 preferably formed of insulating material and preferablyremovably secured together by means of a screw s3. rIhe discs il and i2are formed with apertures sufficient in number and size to permit theready passage therethrough of the conductors projecting outn wardly fromthe end of the sheath on the cable. The rubber diaphram S8 is similarlyformed with apertures, the apertures in this diaphram however beingconsiderably smaller in area than the cross sectional area of therespective conductors, and accordingly when the conductors are insertedin the aperture, the rubber snugly but yieldingly embraces the sheath insubstantially liquid tight manner.

lit will appear from the construction shown and described that a chamberis formed within the housing of the device, this chamber being sealed atits inner end against the conduit by the sheath embracing partition i2and exteriorly sealed at its other end by the conductor embracingclosure member 3g. This chamber, in fact, consists of two axially alinedspaced chambers, an inner chamber 532i formed around the sheath 3 of thecable extending outwardly from the conduit, and an outer chamber formedaround that portion of the conductors 4 extending outwardly from the endof the sheath which are disposed within the housing. rIhe ports 32 atthe ange clamping spiders form communicating passages between thechamber Lili and 45.

In order to effectively seal and insulate the sheath and conductors, asealing compound is introduced into the chambers 44 and 45 for whichpurpose a lling opening 46 is provided in the casing 'I adapted to beclosed by a threaded plug 4l, the sealing compound readily passingthrough the ports 32 from the chamber 44 to the chamber 45. Thisinsulating and sealing compound may be any suitable molten or plasticmaterial which will set or harden after pouring sumciently to fix thesheath and conductors rigidly in the housing.

The method of and the steps required for installing this cable seal willbe evident to those skilled in this art from the drawings and foregoingdescription.

It will be apparent that the above described cable seal can readily beadapted for sealing cable means comprising any size of cable units orconductors. It will also be clear that the construction described may beadapted for sealing an outlet where more than one cable is carried in aconduit by providing an inner partition and spiders formed with aplurality of openings. It will also be evident that this device isadapted to seal a single or a pair of conductors or any nurnber ofconductors extending outwardly from the sheath by providing an outerpartition having the required number of apertures.

Referring now to the adaptation of this invention used in an invertedposition as illustrated in Figures 14 to 22 inclusive, the conduit towhich this adaptation is applied is indicated at 50. 'I'nis conduit isshown with its axis disposed vertically and with its open end directeddownwardly. For purposes of illustrating the adaptability of thisimproved cable seal, three sheathed cables or cable units 5I areillustrated as comprising the cable means in this adaptation of theinvention, in place of the single cable unit illustrated in the iirstdescribed form. Each cable or cable unit comprises a lead sheath 52 and,in the embodiment illustrated, only one insulated conductor E3 is shownenclosed in each cable. the sheaths extends a substantial distancebeyond the end of the conduit, and the conductors extend beyond the endof the sheath sufficiently to permit the connection of these conductorsto the apparatus to which the electrical current is intended to becarried.

Each sheath, at its outer end, is preferably formed during theinstallation of the cable seal with a flange 54. This cable seal ismounted upon the lower end of the conduit 50 and forms a housingindicated generally at 55. As in the previously described form, thishousing consists of three separate body elements, the inner casing l, anextension casing 8, and an outer end or bushing member 9, these partsbeing substantially identical in form and composition with the similarlynumbered parts illustrated and described in connection with Figures 1 to8, and similar reference characters have been applied to the variousportions of these parts in Figures 14 to 17.

In view of the inverted mounting of this adaptation of the cable seal,it is possible to dispense with the partition l2 and the casing l isaccordingly screwed upon the lower end of the conduit 50 until theannular shoulder Il on the casing l abuts the lower end of the conduit.

As will be understood, if a single cable or cable unit were to be sealedin the adaptation illustrated in Fig. 14, spiders substantiallyidentical with the spiders I9 and 28 could be interposed between theinner casing l and the extension casing 8. Due to the necessity ofproviding for a larger number of sheathed cables however, in the deviceillustrated in Fig. 14, it becomes necessary to substitute spidersformed with a number of Each of apertures corresponding to the number ofcables and such a spider is illustrated at 56, this spider engaging theouter face I8 of the inner casing l and is preferably secured to thisinner casing I by means of a plurality of counter sunk screws 20, 20',passing through ears 2|', 2l' formed on diametrically opposed sides ofthe spider 56 and engaging suitably tapped holes in the `bosses 22.

This spider is formed, in the embodiment illustrated, with threeopenings 5l of substantially the same size as the outside diameter ofthe sheaths 52 of the cable 5l. As will be understood, in assembling,the spider 56 is slipped over the sheaths 52, permitting sufficientmaterial of each sheath to extend outwardly beyond the spider to permitthe formation of the flange 54 of the desired size against the outersurface 58 or" the spider.

The spider 56 is further formed with laterally extending ears 25',longitudinally extending flanges 26' and recesses 2l similar to thoseprovided on the spider I9.

Engaging the outer faces of the flanges 54 is a second spider 59 formedwith a plurality of openings SG of substantially the same size as theopenings 51 and formed with an inner surface 6| adapted to engage theouter faces of the flanges 54. The spider 59 is also formed withradially projecting ears 3l', 3l', adapted to be nested in and centeredby the recesses 2l', 2l on the ears 25 formed on the spider 55, wherebythe spiders are interlocked to prevent relative lateral shifting whilepermitting axial movement.

The several parts of these spiders are dimensioned and function in amanner identical with that disclosed in the description of the device inFig. 1. Longitudinal ports 62 similar to the ports 32 are formed betweenthe outer dimensions of the surfaces 5B and 6I and the inner dimensionsof the casings 'l and 8.

The lower or outer composite sealing closure member 39 illustrated inFig. 14 is substantially identical with the same element illustrated anddescribed in connection with Fig. 1 and similar reference charactershave been applied to the component parts of this outer seal. As will beunderstood, this seal is assembled and functions in substantially thesame manner as the previously described closure.

It will appeal' from the drawings that in the adaptation of this deviceillustrated in Fig. 14, a chamber is formed within the housing 55 andthis chamber also consists, in fact, of two axially alined spacedchambers, an inner or upper chamber 63 and a lower or outer chamber' 64,the chamber S3 being formed around the sheathed portions of the cableextending outwardly from the conduit and the chamber S4 being formedaround a portion of the conductors 53 extending outwardly beyond theouter end of the sheath. The ports 52 at the iange clamping spiders formconnecting passages between the chambers 63 and 64.

For the purposes of effectively sealing and insulating and mechanicallyanchoring the sheaths and conductors, a suitable sealing compound isintroduced into the chamber 63 through the opening 46 formed in thecasing 1, this sealing compound readily passing downwardly through theports 62 to fill the chamber 64. Sufficient sealing compound isintroduced into the chamber 63 to bring the upper level of this compounda sufficient distance above the clamping spiders to rmly grip and sealthe sheaths of the cables. It will `be apparent that, in the adaptationjust described, no sealing diaphram is necessary at the lower end of theconduit to prevent the escape of molten sealing compound.

Referring now to the adaptation of this inven-l tion used in an uprightposition as illustrated in Figures 23 to 26 inclusive, the conduit towhich this cable seal is applied is indicated at l0. This conduit isshown with its axis disposed vertically and with its open end directedupwardly. This cable seal is illustrated as applied to an electric cablemeans including a relatively larger cable or cable unit and the severalparts of the seal are correspondingly enlarged. As illustrated, theconduit l encloses a sheathed cable or cable unit comprising a leadsheath 'i2 and in the embodiment illustrated, three conductors, 13, eachcovered by suitable insulation. The sheath projects outwardly beyond theend of the conduit a proportionate distance somewhat less than thatdisclosed in previously described adaptations but still suflicient toeiiectively seal the sheath in the sealing compound. The conductors '13,of course, project outwardly beyond the end of the sheath and, in fact,beyond the end of the cable seal. The sheath, at its outer end, ispreferably formed during the installation of the cable seal with aterminating ange 'M This cable seal is mounted upon the end of theconduit and consists of a housing indicated generally at and comprisesthree main vbody forming members, an inner casing member l, an extensioncasing '17, and an outer or ring bushing member "i3, these elementsbeing generally similar in form and composition with the correspondingparts in the previously described adaptations.

The inner casing member 'Iii is formed with an 'Y interiorly threadedhub 'ig adapted to be screwed upon the threaded end of the conduit.Adjacent the threaded hub and juxtaposed to the end of Ythe conduit, thecasing l is formed with a shoulder B0. interposed `between the end ofthe conduit and the shoulder 80 is a metal clad sealing partitionindicated generally at 8| and comprising a soit rubber diaphram 82mounted between two relatively thin annular sheet metal rings 83 eachhaving a flat portion cemented or otherwise suitably secured tothe faceof the rubber diaphram and being formed centrally with an openingbounded by an axially extending belled flange or pilot, the diameter ofthe opening being lsufficiently large to accommodate the largest cableintended to be carried by the conduit. The rubber diaphram 32 is formedwith yan opening considerably smaller in area 'than .the outside of thecable il, in order that the rubber may snugly embrace the cable sheath'E2 when the cable is inserted in the opening, land thus make asubstantially liquid tight joint between .the diaphram and the cable.The outer end of the casing '555 is formed with an external thread asindicated, and terminates in a substantially smooth outer face 85.Engaging the outer face (i4 is a spider 85 preferably secured to theinner casing 16 by means of a plurality of screws 8B passing throughears 8l formed on diametrically opposite sides of the spider andengaging suitably tapped holes in bosses formed in the casing 76, asindicated.

The spider 85 is formed with an opening 88 of a size to permit the snugpassage therethrough of the sheath 12, this sheath being drawn outwardlybeyond the spider a sufficient distance to provide material to form theflange 'M against the outer annular face 8S of the spider 555.

The spider 85 is further formed with laterally ext-ending ears Si),longitudinally extending anges 9| and interposed recesses 92 insubstantially the same manner as in the previously describedadaptations.

Engaging the outer surface of the flange 14 is a second spider 93 formedwith an opening 04 of substantially the same size as the opening 83 `andformed with an inner annular surface 95 engaging the outer face of theange 14. The spider S3 is also formed with radially projecting ears 96loosely nesting in and centered by the recesses 92 formed on the spider85 by which the spiders are interlocked to prevent relative lateral androtational shifting while permitting free axial movement. These spidersand associated parts function in exactly the same manner as in thepreviously described adaptations.

Longitudinal ports 01 similar to the ponts 32 and 52 `are formed betweenthe outer dimensions of the surfaces and 95 and the inner dimensions ofthe casings 16 and 11. The outer end ofthe extension casing is formedwith an external thread and terminates in a substantially smooth face90. In threaded engagement with the outer end of the extension casing isthe outer ring member 18 which is formed with an inwardly directedannular shoulder or abutment 99. Interposed between the outer face 98and the abutment 99 is a relatively rigid cover |00 formed of insulatingmaterial formed with suitable apertures to receive a plurality oftubular insulating extensions |0| in iu-id tight relation. The number ofapertures and tubular extensions preferably though not necessarily,correspond to the number of conductors whose egress is to be providedfor. Alt the outer end of each of the tubular extensions, a suitablyfluid .tight joint |02 made of insulating tape or other suitablematerial is preferably applied to the conductors and tubular extension.

As will appear, a chamber is formed within the housing 15 and thischamber, as in the two previously described adaptations, consists of twoaxially alin-ed spaced chambers, an inner or lower chamber |03 and anouter or upper chamber |04, thel chamber |03 being formed around thesheathed `cable and the chamber |04 being formed around a portion of theconductors 13 extending outwardly beyond the end of the sheath. Theseports 91 at the flange clamping spiders form connecting passages betweenthe chambers |03 and |04.

For the purpose of effectively sealing and insulating and mechanicallyanchoring the sheath and conductors, a molten sealing and insulatingcompound is introduced into the chamber |04 for which purposes athreaded opening |05 is formed in the cover |60, this opening beingadapted to be closed by `a threaded plug 0S. The sealing compoundreadily passes downwardly@ through the ponts 9'! to ll the chamber |03.It will be apparent that in the adaptation just described, no yieldingrubber sealing diaphram is necessary in the upper or outer end of thecable seal housing and that any suitable cover may be provided at thispoint.

Referring now to the modiiication of the inner seal constructionillustrated in Figures 27 and provided when the cable seal is used inthe horizontal position. and when the cable means comprises a pluralityof sheathed cable units or conductors to be sealed. instead of onesheathed cable or unit, as shown in Fig. 1.

In these iigures the three sheathed cables |||l are carried in theconduit I, each cable including a sheath Si i and a conductor i2. Theinner casing l is screw threaded upon the end of the conduit and isformed with an annular shoulder or abutment juxtaposed to the end faceof the conduit. Interposed between the abutment and the end of theconduit is a composite sealing diaphram or partition indicated generallyat H3 and formed of an elastic `and relatively soft rubber diaphram H4mounted between two relatively thin annular sheet metal rings I4, eachhaving a flat portion I5 preferably cemented or otherwise suitablysecured to the face of the rubber diaphram and formed with an openingbounded by an axially extending and radially outwardly belled flange orpilot i6, the diameter of this opening being sufficiently large toaccommodate the aggregate of the largest cables intended to be carriedby the conduit.

The rubber diaphram H4 is formed with a plurality of aperturespreferably equal in number to the number of cables to be sealed. Thearea of each of these apertures when its periphery is free orunextended, is in each case considerably smaller than the crosssectional area of the respective cable HB for which the aperture isintended. Accordingly when the sheathed cable is insert d in theaperture, the rubber at and adjacent the periphery of the 'aperturesnugly embraces the sheath in a substantially liquid tight manner. Thebelled flangey or pilot l 6 prevents injury to the surfaces of thesheaths when a cable is drawn through the conduit and through the ringsI4.

While an individual aperture in the rubber diaphram is preferred foreach of a plurality of conductors, both in the inner partition as wellas in the outer closing partition, it is feasible to form a singleirregularly shaped aperture in the diaphram generally conforming to theouter configuration of the cables intended to be sealed.

In reference to the inner and outer partitions for sealing the cablesand conductors, altho a relatively soft elastic rubber is preferred, forthe sealing diaphram, it will be understood that any of the well knownsynthetic materials may be substituted for the usual rubber; in fact,any relatively soft and yielding material may be used for the diaphramwithout departing from the scope of this invention, so long as itpossesses the properties required to enable the material to temporarilyseal the conductors or sheaths in sufficiently liquid tight manner tosubstantially prevent the molten sealing compound from escaping beforeit congeals.

It is noted that the embodiments illustrated and described disclose thiscable seal applied to constructions in which the conduit carries onesheathed cable in some forms and three sheathed cales in other forms. Itwill be evident that this cable seal may be adapted to seal any munberor size of sheathed cables carried by and extending outwardly from theconduits, by providing an inner partition and spiders formed with acorresponding number and size of apertures.

It is further noted that while for purposes of illustration thedisclosed forms of these devices re adapted to seal three outwardlyextending conductors, it will also be evident that this cable mayreadily be adapted to seal any number or size of conductors extendingoutwardly from one or any number of sheaths by providing an outerclosure member formed with a suitable number of openings of satisfactorysize and contour.

Accordingly, altho the specifications disclose only a limited number ofsheathed cable and conductor arrangements and altho the claims in mostinstances define the construction with reference to one sheathed cableand conductor, it is pointed out that no unnecessary limitations shouldbe understood therefrom and that the scope of the invention as definedin the claims embraces the use of any form of this device for sealingone or any number of sheathed cables or conductors. Accordingly in theappended claims the expression cable means is used to denominate asingle cable unit 2, 5l or 1I, or la plrality of them. The term cablemeans may therefor include one or any number of units, and each unit mayinclude one or more conductors, and therefor in order to clearly setforth the scope of this invention in respect to the number of cableunits and conductors sealed, the expressions at least one unit and atleast one conductor are employed in the claims.

lrfany other modifications of this invention, in its construction andits application, in addition to the forms shown, will naturally occur tothose skilled in this art, and the present disclosures should thereforbe considered as typical only and applicant desires not to be limited tothe exact construction shown and described.

What I claim is:

1. A cable seal construction comprising a casing mounted upon the end ofa conduit providing a chamber, electric cable means including at leastone cable unit and sheath therefor projecting beyond the end of theconduit and enclosed at least in part in the chamber, a radially flaredflange formed on the sheath of the cable unit, a spider fixed againstrotation relatively to the casing and formed with a surface adapted toengage the inner face of the flange, a second spider axially movable butrotatably fixed relatively to the first named spider and formed with asurface adapted to engage the outer face of the flange on the sheath,and means adapted to force the said surfaces into clamping engagementwith the flange, said means including an annular member havingscrew-threaded engagement with the outer end of the casing and formedwith an annular abutment adapted to force said second spider toward saidrst named spider when said member is threaded into place on the casing.

2. In a device for sealing electric cable means extending outwardly fromthe end of a conduit including at least one cable unit and sheaththerefor, in combination a casing mounted upon the end of the conduitproviding a chamber adapted to enclose the outwardly extending cablemeans, a transverse member removably mounted upon the outer end of thecasing and formed with an aperture for the cable unit, a radially flaredterminal flange formed on the sheath of the cable unit, said transversemember being spaced from the end of the conduit and formed with asurface adapted to engage the inner face of the flange, a secondtransverse member formed with a surface adapted to engage the outer faceof the flange, at least one of said transverse members being lockedagainst rotation relative to the casing, and screw means adapted toforce said surfaces into clamping engagement with the interposed flange,said screw means comprising an annular member having screw threadedengagement with the outer end of the casing.

3. In a device for sealing electric cable means including at least onecable unit extending outwardly from the end of a conduit, thecombination of a casing mounted upon the end of the conduit, the saidunit extending into the casing, an abutment formed on the casing andjuxtaposed to the end of the conduit, a sealing partition interposedbetween the end cf the conduit and the abutment, the partition includinga diaphragm made of relatively yielding material having an aperture forembracing the unit in substantially liquid tight relation, andrelatively rigid annular members engaging peripheral portions of thediaphragm, at least one of said members being formed with an axiallydirected and radially outwardly belled guide surrounding the aperture.

4. A device for sealing electric cable means including at least onesheathed cable unit extending outwardly rom a conduit, and at least oneconductor extending outwardly from the sheathed cable unit, comprisingan inner casing mounted at its inner end upon the conduit, an extensioncasing mounted upen the outer end of the inner casing, a ring bushingmounted upon the outer end of the extension casing, the said unit and asheath therefor extending into the inner casing from the conduit, anelastic rubber diaphragm interposed between the end of the conduit andthe inner casing having an aperture for resiliently embracing thesheathed cable unit, opposed shoulder means interposed between the innercasing and the extension casing engaging the sheath in clampingrelation, at least one conductor extending outwardly from the cable unitand thru the ring bushing, and a second elastic rubber diaphragminterposed between the extension casing and the ring bushing having anaperture for resiliently embracing the conductor.

5. A device for sealing electric cable means comprising an inner casingmounted at its inner end upon a conduit, an extension casing mounted fupon the outer end of the inner casing, a ring bushing mounted upon theouter end of the extension casing, electric cable means comprising atleast one cable unit and sheath extending into the inner casing from theconduit, a partition interposed between the end of the conduit and theinner casing having an aperture for embracing the sheathed cable unit inliquid tight relation, a radially outwardly extending flange formed onthe sheath, opposed shoulder means spaced from the partition andinterposed between the inner casing and the extension casing andclamping the flange, at least one conductor extending from the cableunit thru the extension casing and ring bushing, and a second partitioninterposed between the extension casing and the ring bushing having anaperture for embracing the conductor in liquid tight relation.

6. A sealing structure for sealing electric cable means including atleast one cable unit extending outwardly from a conduit, a sheath forthe unit and at least one conductor extending outwardly from the unitbeyond the end of the sheath, said structure comprising an inner casingmounted at its inner end upon the conduit and enclosing and forming aninner chamber around the outwardly extending sheathed cable unit, anextension casing mounted upon the outer end of the inner casing andenclosing and forming an outer chamber around la portion of theoutwardly extending conductor, a ring bushing mounted upon the outer endof the extension casing, a partition interposed between the end of theconduit and the inner casing having an aperture for embracing the saidunit in substantially liquid tight relation, whereby the inner chamberis sealed from the conduit, a pair of plates interposed between theinner casing and the extension casing, formed with opposed shouldersclamping a portion of the sheath and provided with an apertureestablishing communication between the inner chamber and the outerchamber, and a second partition interposed between the extension casingand the ring bushing having an aperture for embracing the conductor insubstantially liquid tight relation, whereby the outer chamber isexternally sealed, and at least one of said casings being provided witha iilling opening adapted to receive molten sealing compound.

'7. In a device for sealing electric cable means including at least onecable unit and a sheath for the unit extending outwardly from a conduit,in combination, a housing removably mounted at its inner end on theconduit, said cable means extending outwardly from the conduit andpartly thru the housing, and at least one conductor extending outwardlyfrom the unit beyond the end of the sheath and beyond the outer end ofthe housing, thehousing being formed with a chamber and provided at itsouter end with a closure formed with an opening for the conductor andprovided with sealing means engaging the conductor in substantiallyliquid tight relation, the housing being formed with an inner abutmentmeans juxtaposed to the end of the conduit, a removable inner closuremember interposed between the abutment means and the end of the conduitand spaced inwardly from the end of the sheath, the inner closure memberincluding an elastic rubber diaphragm having an aperture for embracingthe unit, the normal area of the aperture being smaller than thecrosssectional area of the unit therein, whereby the cable means isyieldingly embraced by the rubber diaphragm in substantially liquidtight relation, and clamping means interposed between and spaced fromsaid inner and outer closures adapted to x the end of the sheathrelatively to the housing.

8. An electric rcable seal construction comprising a casing mounted uponthe end of a conduit providing a chamber, cable means including at leastone cable unit and sheath therefor projecting beyond the end of theconduit and enclosed in the chamber, a radially flared ange formed onthe sheath within the casing, a spider removably fixed to the casing andformed with a surface adapted to engage the inner face of the flange, asecond spider formed with a surface adapted to engage the outer face ofthe flange, said spiders being formed with interengaging shoulder meanspreventing relative rotation between said spiders when the spiders arein the flange engaging positions, and means adapted to force the saidsurfaces into clamping engagement with the flange,

said means including an annular member having a screw threadedengagement with the outer end of the casing and formed with an annularabutment adapted to force said second named spider toward said firstnamed spider when said member is threaded into place on said casing.

HERMAN A. TEPEL.

